How To Make an Origami Fortune Teller

Sometimes it's just more fun to let a little piece of paper make a decision for us, be it paint color, vacation spot, or dinner delivery. You might remember these paper fortune tellers (also known as cootie catchers, chatterboxes, salt cellars, or whirlybirds) from your grade school days, made to pass time and bring a laugh or three. They're great to play around with for nostalgia sake, or when you just can't make that really "difficult" decision on your own.

A fortune teller works by having the person who's fortune is being told choose a color from the ones labeled on the outer folds. The operator of the fortune teller then spells out that color by moving the sides in and out in a pinch and pull motion four times as they spell out "B-L-U-E". After spelling out the color, freeze your hands in whichever position they are in when they land on the last letter. Four numbers should now be showing when you look inside the paper toy. Have the person who's fortune is being told pick one of these four numbers. Move the fortune teller that exact number of times, then have the person pick one last number. Flip the paper over to reveal the fortune that corresponds with the last number they picked.

14. Lastly, fold back the triangle sections and write fortunes (paint colors, or names of restaurants!) on the insides of each section. You should end up with 8 fortunes (or mis-fortunes!). Refold your fortune teller and help your loved ones make rational, informed decisions. Have fun!

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